Abstract: A system for monitoring and distinguishing occurrences along a perimeter bounded by at least one piezoelectric cable that completely defines the perimeter. The monitoring system utilizes at least one piezoelectric cable that generates electrical signals in response to mechanical stress events. The electrical signals from each piezoelectric cable are analyzed by a processing system to determine event classification and location. The monitoring system alerts users and connects to an existing security system to notify third-parties. The monitoring system includes functionality to communicate with a calibration unit and calibrate itself. The monitoring system also includes functionality to interface with a pet containment system.

Abstract: An apparatus for a self-cleaning litter box having a control system for a mechanical self-cleaning mechanism. The litter box has a turret carrying a rake. Limit switches indicate the location of the rake and the turret. The box includes an animal sensor that detects the presence of an animal in the box. A specified time after the animal leaves the box, the turret sweeps the rake through the litter, picks up the collected waste, and carries it to a waste bin, where the waste is dumped. The litter box is controlled by a processor executing a software program that monitors the instruments and sensors and controls the turret and rake motors.

Abstract: An apparatus for a self-cleaning litter box having a control system for a mechanical self-cleaning mechanism. The litter box has a turret carrying a rake. The box includes an animal sensor that detects the presence of an animal in the box. A specified time after the animal leaves the box, the turret sweeps the rake through the litter, picks up the collected waste, and carries it to a waste bin, where the waste is dumped. The litter box is controlled by a processor executing a software program that monitors the instruments and sensors and controls the turret and rake motors. The software, in various embodiments, controls the rake motor and turret motor to execute a scoop sequence, a startup sequence, and a go home sequence.

Abstract: An electrode useful in an animal containment or training device. The electrode is mounted in a housing adapted to be affixed to an animal such that the distal end of the electrode is proximate the skin of the animal. When a control signal is transmitted to the animal via the electrode, the distal end of the electrode extends from the housing and into electrically conductive engagement with the skin of the animal. At other times, the electrode is withdrawn from engagement with the skin of the animal. In one embodiment, the overall length of the electrode is adjustable to select the pressure exerted by the electrode against the skin of the animal.

Abstract: An antenna mounting for an animal collar including an O-ring and associated retainer disposed in an opening through the housing of a radio frequency receiver. The O-ring is compressed into multiple sealing locations between the circumference of the antenna and its surrounding structure to create a resilient hermetic seal between the antenna and such surrounding structure, and to resiliently suspend the antenna within the opening in the housing.

Abstract: A pet collar which incorporates into a collar strap a buckle with its usual length adjustability features, and a quick release incorporated into the collar strap in intimate and operative association with the buckle. Once the length of the collar strap is initially adjusted, using the buckle, to the neck size of the pet for which the collar is intended, subsequent removal and reapplication of the collar to the pet is effected by the quick release aspect of the invention without disturbing the length adjustment established by the buckle.

Abstract: A portable animal containment device for confining an animal to a defined area. The portable animal containment device includes a flat and a correction unit. The flat is adapted to be portable and defines the area within which an animal is confined. The flat has an associated presence detector for detecting whether the animal is occupying the flat. When the presence detector indicates that the animal is not occupying the flat, a signal is transmitted to the correction unit by way of wireless communication. The correction unit is carried by the animal and administers a stimulus to the animal when the correction unit receives the signal from the transmitter. Consequently, when the animal moves beyond the boundary defined by the flat, it receives a stimulus, which encourages the animal to remain in the flat.

Abstract: A presence detector mat for monitoring the presence of an animal within a defined area. The presence detector mat includes a variable parallel-plate capacitor separated by an elastic spacer, and a sensing mechanism. An electrical power source is provided to establish an electrical charge differential to the variable parallel-plate capacitor. The sensing mechanism is capable of detecting changes in the capacitance of the variable parallel-plate capacitor and transmitting a signal based upon such change in capacitance.

Abstract: A piezoelectric perimeter security system for differentiating between threatening and non-threatening breaches in a property's perimeter and also for article of property containment and pet containment. The system consists of at least one piezoelectric sensor in electrical communication with a conductor wire. When compressed or stressed, voltage is generated within the sensor that is proportional to the amount of force compressing or stressing the cable. A processing device receives this voltage and converts it to a local activity signal. This signal is then compared with other signals stored in the system's memory in order to identify the type of entity causing the voltage across the cable. If the entity is deemed a security threat then an appropriate countermeasure such as a siren or other alert is actuated. The conductor wire also carries a signal received by a signal receiver that is placed on either a pet or an article of property.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and distinguishing occurrences along a perimeter bounded by a plurality of piezoelectric cables. The monitoring system utilizes a plurality of piezoelectric cables that generate electrical signals in response to mechanical stress events. The electrical signals from each piezoelectric cable are analyzed by a base unit to determine event classification and location. The monitoring system alerts users and connects to an existing security system to notify third-parties. The monitoring system includes functionality to communicate with a calibration unit and calibrate itself. The monitoring system also includes functionality to interface with a pet containment system.

Abstract: A bark control device (10) for deterring a dog from barking. The bark control device (10) includes a housing (12) carried by the dog, the housing having a vibration dampening surface (13) covering at least a portion of the exterior of the housing (12). The device (10) also includes a bark detection mechanism (18), a stimulus delivery system (26) for delivering a stimulus to the dog to dissuade the dog from barking, and circuitry (22, 24) for activating the stimulus delivery system (26) in response to the detection by the bark detection mechanism (18) of a bark by the dog. The vibration dampening surface (13) of the housing (12) inhibits the delivery of false correction stimuli to the dog as the result of vibrations emanating from a source other than a bark by the dog.

Abstract: Described is a pet gate device for generating a non-tangible electrical pet barrier and for generating a non-tangible electrical pet passageway. The pet gate device includes a signal generating device and a receiver. The signal generating device is adapted to generate at least two different signals, namely a barrier signal and a passageway signal. The signal generating device includes a transmitter for transmitting the generated signals. The receiver is adapted to receive the transmitted signals and to recognize whether the barrier signal or the passageway signal is being generated and transmitted. The receiver is adapted to administer a stimulus to the pet when the receiver recognizes the barrier signal. Conversely, the receiver is adapted to not administer a stimulus to the pet when the receiver recognizes a passageway signal.

Abstract: An antenna mounting for an animal collar including an O-ring and associated retainer disposed in an opening through the housing of a radio frequency receiver. The O-ring is compressed into multiple sealing locations between the circumference of the antenna and its surrounding structure to create a resilient hermetic seal between the antenna and such surrounding structure, and to resiliently suspend the antenna within the opening in the housing.

Abstract: An electronic animal trainer with temperament learning. The electronic animal trainer with temperament learning 100 learns and remembers the response pattern of the animal to the correction stimulus to provide a customized training profile.

Abstract: A security system for a digital trunked radio system having a digital control channel and a plurality of working channels, wherein said working channels are assigned for temporary use of individual radio units by digital control signals transmitted over said control channel, said control channel carrying digital control signals between a base site and said radio units, comprising a digital key, said key used to limit access to the system equipment and system control channel transmissions.

Abstract: Described is a pet confinement system for confining the monitored pet using negative reinforcement and ultra wideband technology. A transmitter generates a ultra wideband signal monitored by a receiver carried by the pet. The negative reinforcement delivery circuit provides a corrective stimulus of adjustable intensity. The owner selects the intensity level using a conventional switch device.